JACKSONVILLE, Ore. – Southern Oregon University researchers are resuming a decade long archaeological dig, running across old remains from Jacksonville’s former Chinese Quarter.

During the dig, which started Saturday, archaeologists found old cooking pots, animal remains, and even opium pipes.

“We’re finding opium and fan-tan, which are these little gambling pieces,” said archaeologist Chelsea Rose. “It’s pretty much akin to whiskey and cards in the white miners camps just down the road. So it’s interesting, it’s exciting to see what we’re finding.”

Archaeologists say this latest site is breaking into the ruins of a burned-down building that was home to Chinese workers – likely in the late 1800’s.

The dig, right next to the downtown area, will continue all weekend. After that, archaeologists will begin the much more work intensive step of analyzing those remains.